FAQ
General FAQ
Fundraising FAQ
Q.
What level of fitness is required?
You do not have to be an athlete to undertake ChallengeMD! 2007;
the trip through Cambodia is designed to be tough but also inclusive
so that people of all ages and abilities can take part. The event will
be quite physically demanding and you need to be realistic about whether
you feel you will be able to complete the Challenge successfully. The
trips run by Intrepid Travel are graded on a scale of 1 -5 and some
are more demanding than others but all of them require a good level
of general fitness. It is important that you are confident that ChallengeMD! 2007 Cambodia is suited to your level of ability as only you can judge how
fit you are and what you are capable of achieving. There will be people
of widely ranging fitness levels taking part and the aim is for the
whole group to meet the challenge, it is certainly not a race! Most
people who take part in these events are new to this type of trip. The
cycling and trekking is carefully managed at a suitable average pace
with regular rest and refreshment stops. It is worth considering that
a change in climate, particularly hot weather or altitude, may affect
your performance.
It may be hard to complete ChallengeMD! 2007 without a few months of training & conditioning beforehand. See the Intrepid Challenges website for good advice on how to go about a fitness programme and training tips for preparing for trekking and cycling. If you are over 60 or suffer from a medical condition that is affected by exercise you must obtain a letter from your doctor. It is essential that Intrepid Challenges are made aware of any medical conditions on the medical questionnaire which may affect your well being whilst on the trip. But above all a sense of adventure and the determination to achieve a reasonable level of fitness are the most important pre-requisites!
Q.
What sort of people take part in the Challenges?
People on Intrepid Challenges come from a tremendous variety of backgrounds
with a range of ages from 18 to 68. They are drawn together by a shared
sense of adventure and openness to new experiences. It’s the people
involved that really make these trips special, you’ll be surprised
at how many friendships you make and the great atmosphere during the
event. It’s the shared sense of excitement and team spirit that
helps motivate you through the challenge. By the end of the challenge
you will have made some great lifetime friendships.
Q.
What will I need to take with me? Do I need any special kit?
Intrepid provide a recommended kit list under ‘what to take’
in the trip notes on their website for each challenge. Comfortable and
waterproof clothing is essential for these trips but nothing that should
require any great expenditure. Just type in the trip code for your challenge
in the Intrepid website trip finder to bring up detailed trip notes.
Q. What is the food like? Are special
dietary requirements catered for?
We always try to serve local dishes to give you a real culinary adventure,
after all trying new and delicious food is one of the best parts of
your travel experience. In many places there will be a mixture of western
and local dishes so you will always find something familiar to eat.
For example, breakfasts and lunches tend to be a mixture of western
and local food whilst dinner is generally all local dishes. We will
make an effort to cater to any special dietary needs, allergies and
vegetarian diets but please make sure to notify us of your requirements
on your registration form.
Q.
How many people take part?
Group sizes vary according to the destination and demand. Intrepid aims
to take between 15 and 28 participants on the average challenge event.
They have found that this is the best group size for these types of
trips so that there is a supportive and lively atmosphere yet the group
is still small enough to get to know everyone.
Q. How are places allocated?
Places for ChallengeMD! 2007Cambodia will be available on
a first come first-served basis.
Q.
Who will lead ChallengeMD! 2007?
ChallengeMD! 2007Cambodia will be accompanied by an experienced
Intrepid leader together with a team of local guides including a bike
mechanic on cycling trips. The leader is responsible for the group’s
safety and will ensure to the best of their ability that the planned
itinerary runs smoothly. From time to time inclement weather, transport
problems or forces of nature may cause last minute changes. In such
circumstances, the leader may vary the itinerary, and their decision
will be final.
Q.
How safe are the activities? What about first aid?
The safety of the group is our first priority and all of the challenge
events have been assessed for risk prior to their being operated. You
will be given a full safety briefing during the event and cautioned
about any activity which could pose a hazard to your own or the groups’
welfare. It is recommended that you take the time to review the government
travel advice regarding the country you’re visiting at www.dfat.gov.au
. This will give you the latest information on any issues arising that
may affect your safety during your trip. All of the Intrepid Challenge
groups are accompanied by leaders with first aid qualifications who
can attend to any injuries that take place on the event and if necessary
evacuate you to the nearest clinic/ hospital for treatment.
Q.
What about health & hygiene?
We recommend that you visit your local Travel clinic before departure
who can advise you of what vaccinations are recommended for the country
you’ll be visiting. High standards of hygiene will be encouraged
and maintained throughout the trip. Search on www.travelvax.com.au for
health profiles on the country you are visiting or consult your family
doctor.
Q.
Will I have to carry my luggage?
No, all luggage will be transported in support vehicles or by porters
unless otherwise stated. A day pack / handle bar bag is necessary to
carry camera, sunscreen, snacks & small items with you. For cycling
trips there is a water bottle cage fitted on the bikes.
Q.
What is the accommodation like?
We use different types of accommodation (hotels, teahouses or camping)
depending on what is available in the area. Obviously the more off the
beaten track we get the more limited the accommodation options, but
it is always clean and adequate for our needs. The traditional guesthouses
we visit are the best way to experience these countries. As these are
charity events and not holidays the standard is generally quite basic
during the challenge itself with a better quality (normally a 3 star
hotel or equivalent) at the end. Rooming is twin share and allocated
on a single sex basis.
Q.
Do I need travel insurance?
You must have adequate travel insurance cover in order to participate
in ChallengeMD! 2007 and we recommend that you take this
out as soon as you have a confirmed place on the trip. There is an insurance
link on the Intrepid Challenges website. If you already have an existing
insurance policy, please ensure that it will cover you for the activities
undertaken.
Q.
What about passports and visas?
You must hold a full passport, which is valid for at least six months
from the departure date. If you need to obtain or renew your passport
please allow at least six weeks to do so. Details of any visas required
will be given under the relevant trip notes on the Intrepid website.
Q.
Can I extend my stay?
There are limited options offered by Intrepid Challenges to extend your
flights and stay on at the end of the event. Please read the terms and
conditions on the Intrepid Challenges website and download the relevant
extension form. There is an administration fee of AUD $75 as well as
any difference in airfare.
Q.
Can we go as a group?
Most definitely, you are welcome to organize your own group of friends
for the actual event or any extensions afterwards. If you do choose
to travel as a group, each member of the group will of course be required
to complete Part 1 of ChallengeMD! 2007 (raising a minimum
of AUD $5000) in order to be eligible for Part 2 of the Challenge -
the trip to Cambodia.
Q.
How many hours a day will we be cycling for?
That all depends on the particular day and your individual cycling speed
but generally between 4- 7 hours, over a mixture of flat and hilly terrain.
FUNDRAISING RELATED FAQ
Q. How is the trip funded?
a) Fundraising option: ChallengeMD! 2007 is a discounted trip which is made possible by the number of people taking part in a common itinerary (15 –35 people). Intrepid travel gives the charity a package price per person and the sponsorship level is set accordingly. Your registration fee is your personal contribution towards the cost of the Challenge (and this is not tax deductible). The actual cost of the trip is of course greater than the registration fee and the balance is paid from the sponsorship you raise. You need to explain to sponsors that you are making a personal contribution towards the trip costs and that a percentage of the money you raise will pay the balance of your costs. Based on $5000 raised, approximately 50% of your contributions will go directly towards the work of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Should you raise more than this, for example $10,000, then obviously the percentage which will go directly to the work of MDA will be around 75%.
b) Paying your own trip costs: If you are paying your own trip costs, a straight $500 donation to the charity is included in the cost of the trip and this amount only is tax deductible.
Q.
Will people think that they are sponsoring me to take a subsidised holiday?
Definitely not! ChallengeMD! 2007 could not really be considered
a holiday. You will be training for the months prior to your event to
get fit, raising thousands of dollars for the Muscular Dystrophy Association,
and then undertaking a real physical challenge - all of these elements
take time, effort and commitment. ChallengeMD! 2007 is not
an easy option and will test the average person in ways they’ve
never experienced before. This Challenge is designed to be a very rewarding
experience that will challenge you in more ways than one. For example
you will be biking for days on end, with very basic facilities en route,
in remote areas and with high temperatures. That would not correspond
to most people’s definition of a holiday.
Q.
How will I be able to raise the sponsorship money?
Raising funds is often the toughest part of the challenge. However,
it is possible to reach and even exceed the sponsorship target, as many
participants of all ages and from all walks of life have proven. The
Muscular Dystrophy Association will send you a full fundraising kit
that will give you some great ideas to get you started.
Q.
Do I have to fundraise or can I simply choose to donate the required
target?
Fundraising to reach the target is considered to be part of the "Challenge"
but if you would prefer to personally pay all or part of the amount
there is also an option to do this which includes a $500 donation to
the charity included in the trip price. But please note that if you
choose to pay all or part of the fundraising target or trip costs yourself
this payment is not tax deductible.
Q.
What happens if I can't raise the sponsorship money?
ChallengeMD! 2007 costs are paid up front, so it is essential
that at least 80% of the minimum sponsorship level is paid to the Muscular
Dystrophy Association at least 60 days prior to departure. If you do
not fundraise the full amount, you are also welcome to make up the shortfall
yourself. The Muscular Dystrophy Association will make every effort
to help you reach that target, however, if you do not raise this amount
you will forfeit your eligibility to participate. Any additional sponsorship
money must be paid within 2 weeks after you return from ChallengeMD! 2007 Cambodia. If for any reason you are unable to take up your place your
Sponsorship Forms and any money collected in the name of the Muscular
Dystrophy Association must be forwarded to us by law. We will then contact
your sponsors individually and return sponsorship money and pledges
where requested.
(Please refer to Terms & Conditions on the Registration Form).
Q.
Are donations tax deductible?
This can depend on how you raised the money but generally the entire
amount of the donation over $2 is tax deductible to the donor. For an
amount to be a donation it is assumed at all times that the donor is
not the same person as the participant, or an associate of either. The
conditions for a donation are that it must be made voluntarily and does
not provide benefits to the donor. When you register you will receive
a comprehensive fundraising information pack which will cover these
questions. If you are paying your own trip costs, a straight $500 donation
to the charity is included in the cost of the trip and this
amount only is tax deductible.
Q.
What is included in the price?
Once you have registered and raised the minimum sponsorship required,
you are entitled to a place on the challenge and included in your itinerary
are:
•
International Flights
• Domestic flights where applicable
• The services of an experienced Intrepid leader(s)
• All accommodation during the Challenge, on a twin share basis
only
• All ground transport
• Multi speed Mountain bikes
• Services of a support vehicle
• Three meals a day during your activity (unless specifically
stated otherwise)
• Plenty of safe drinking water and snacks (fruit and biscuits)
• All ground staff including English speaking guides, local drivers,
and bike mechanic
• A representative from the charity
Q.
What is not included?
• You will need
to pay for your own transfers to and from the departure airport
• Departure taxes
and any fuel surcharges
• Visas
where applicable
• Any Vaccinations
required
• Gratuities for
local support team
• Personal spending
money
• Any additional
activities or meals not included in your itinerary
In addition to the information supplied in this Pack and on the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s website, Intrepid’s website provides comprehensive information on Cambodia and what you will need to take with you etc. Please visit there to find detailed trip notes and other information covering all aspects of the event.
We
will also provide you with good advice as to the specific requirements
for ChallengeMD! 2007 Cambodia at an information session organised
prior to departure. Further details of the information session will
be available soon.
Want to register or find out more?
Call Australia +61 3 9320 9555 Once you have read your Information Pack and registered, we will send you a Fundraising Pack containing everything you will need to get you fundraising your way to Cambodia! |
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